The story

Turning a federal judge -- even one like Sonia Sotomayor, who has gone through Senate confirmation hearings before -- into a Supreme Court nominee ready for prime time takes a lot of preparation, mock hearings and coaching.

The Bush White House brought in outside advisers to shepherd nominees John Roberts and Samuel Alito through the minefield of the U.S. Senate.

The Obama administration built a team from within to lead the effort to confirm Sotomayor, including a large role for Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, a veteran member of the Judiciary Committee and the senior senator from Sotomayor's home state. Read full article »

CNN senior political analyst Gloria Borger and national political correspondent Jessica Yellin contributed to this story.